BBC viewers left ‘traumatised’ by graphic execution scenes just moments into hit drama as it returns after nine years
BBC viewers said they were left traumatised by graphic execution scenes just moments into Wolf Hall finally returning after nine years off-screen.
The period drama set in Tudor times stars Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis, and depicts Thomas Cromwell’s climb to power under the reign of King Henry VIII.
After nearly a decade, Wolf Hall returned to our screens with its much awaited sequel The Mirror and The Light.
It is the final chapter in the BBC’s adaptation of the late Hilary Mantel’s historical novel set in Tudor times.
However, fans were shocked when the opening scenes replayed Anne Boleyn’s brutal execution all over again.
The graphic scene showed the French swordsman pirouetting behind Anne before he sliced her head off.
Then her ladies in waiting, clearly upset, gently picked up her body and placed it into a coffin.
Thomas Cromwell stood in the crowd watching the execution alongside a group of others.
In direct contrast to the horrific scene, Henry VIII was seen wearing a splendid gold outfit as he prepared to marry Jane Seymour.
While fans praised the show’s return and the wonderful acting some were horrified to watch Anne’s beheading again.
One fan said: “I hope no one else gets their head chopped off. No spoilers”
Another said: “What terrifying lives they must have all led at the mercy of Henry’s whims”
A third added: “Grotesque”
Another fan said: “Still traumatised by Anne Boleyn’s execution from the last series please don’t show it again”
Another agreed: “It’s true No matter how much we knew it was coming, it was horrific ( and great credit to Claire Foy for her portrayal )
Fans can look forward to much more drama in the upcoming episodes as we discover what happens to Cromwell in the end./bbc
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here’s a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.
- Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Line Of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015.
- Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman‘s war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he’s tasked to investigate while Wallander’s job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.
Lead actor Mark Rylance reflected: “I think that’s a good question for the audience to consider, it’s one of the delights you’ll have watching the programme.”
“I think he gets tired and there are times when he fantasises for a different life.
“He’s always aware that something bad could happen.
“You are reaping great benefits, great wealth, but you are dealing with people who are trying to put a knife in your back.
“You’re dealing with a very violent regime that is sustained by violence. And you are an agent of that regime.”
Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light airs Sundays on BBC One at 9pm.